Pediatric CFIDS in Redbook
The June 2001 issue of Redbook magazine includes chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) in the article, "Adult diseases that threaten your kid." The CFIDS Association of America worked with the author to present a realistic, sympathetic picture of the illness. The article describes symptoms, gives information on diagnosis and recommends supporting young people with CFIDS emotionally as well as physically.

Ask CNN
In late May, CNN featured CFIDS on its morning question-and-answer segment. The brief piece mentioned chlamydia and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) as two possible causes of CFIDS being explored, and noted that only symptomatic treatment is currently available. As a result of The CFIDS Association's lobbying, a severely ill patient was included in the video footage to emphasize how serious and debilitating CFIDS can be.

Yoga and fatigue
"Rest for the weary," an article in the March/April issue of Yoga Journal, reveals that an Iowa College of Medicine researcher has found yoga helped a group of CFIDS patients more than any other alternative or conventional therapy. The article provides tips on gaining energy through yoga without causing symptom flare-ups.

Symposium coverage
The CFIDS Association of America's March 19-20 research symposium on neuroendocrine aspects of the illness was picked up by the media, including Reuter's Health, Internal Medicine News, the Cornell Women's Health Advisor newsletter and FOX 5 (WTTG) in Washington, D.C. The coverage emphasized that stress alone does not cause CFIDS.

Celebrity news
MTV and other media outlets announced in late March that Neil Codling, a member of the British rock band Suede, had left the band due to CFIDS. Reports indicated that Codling has struggled with the illness for years. He left the band during the recording of their fifth album.

PWC's struggle chronicled
The June 4 issue of The New York Post contains an article that describes Howard Bloom s attempt to get a marriage license despite being homebound with CFIDS. Bloom, a New Yorker who has shaped the careers of music stars such as John Cougar Mellencamp and Prince, gained media attention when he finally persuaded the Manhattan City Clerk s office to waive its rule that couples seeking to marry must apply for their license in person.

Reach Out to School Nurses
In June, The CFIDS Association of America launched a project to increase awareness of chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) among school nurses.

Because school nurses observe the course of students' and teachers' illnesses, they are in a position to encourage early diagnosis and support families coping with CFIDS.

The Association has provided an introductory letter to nurses and a copy of Dr. David Bell's School Nurse News article on pediatric CFIDS on the Association's youth Web site, http://www.cfids.org/youth.asp , for individuals in participating in the project. To take part, simply print out the materials and either bring or mail them to your local school nurses.

Individuals without Internet access can obtain a copy of the letter and article by sending a business size, self-addressed stamped envelope to The CFIDS Association of America, Attn: School Nurse Information, PO Box 220398, Charlotte, NC 28222-0398.

For more information about this project, please contact Terri Lupton, BSS, RN, Coordinator for Educational Opportunities (tlupton@cfids.org), or Rebecca Moore c/o the Association's youth program (youth@cfids.org).